Apayao beauty queen Kristeen Mae Boccang joins Miss Universe PH 2023 pageant

Photo Courtesy || Kristeen Mae Boccang

Cordillera - The Miss Universe Philippines organization has announced Kristeen Mae Boccang to replace Evangeline Fuentes after the latter withdrew from the pageant. 

The 23-year-old Psychology graduate from Conner, Apayao will be representing the province of Apayao in the 4th edition of Miss Universe PH.

Miss Boccang is the first iApayao to join the prestigious event. Prior to joining Miss Universe PH, she was the 2nd Runner-Up in the Dayag ti Apayao 2023     pageant. 

She was also crowned the Binibining Conner Tourism 2022 and crowned the Panagbunga Festival Queen in 2017.

Asked about her motivation in joining the national pageant, Miss Boccang wanted to take this opportunity to represent her province and country and to become an inspiration to her fellow iApayaos.

“I joined Miss Universe because it was a dream of mine to represent my beautiful province of Apayao and introduce it the rest of the Philippines. It would be the very first time for Apayao to join a national pageant and I hope that by joining I would be able to inspire my fellow yApayao and let other people know of where and what Apayao could offer to everyone,” Kristeen said.

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Son of farmer in Benguet is PNPA institutional Kampilan awardee

Photo Courtesy || PNPA

Cordillera - A young man from Benguet witnessed the immense hardship his parents endured to provide for their family. His parents are both farmer who worked long hours in physically demanding jobs, sacrificing their own dreams to ensure their children had a better life. Their unwavering determination to provide inspired him to push through the challenges of his own education and work towards a brighter future for himself and his family.

Police Cadet Normin Asing Luis who hails from the town of Kapangan pursued his dream to become a police officer. He graduated in the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) with the NAPOLCOM Kampilan Award during the PNPA MASIDTALAK Class of 2023 graduation in March.

Police Cadet Luis was born and raised in the cold and cloudy mountains of the Cordilleras. 

The son of Mr. Bert Luis and Mrs. Erinie Luis a native of Kapangan, Benguet. His parents were both farmers who have nothing but give the best for their offspring. 

Just like the others he is just an ordinary person living a simple dream. A dream that someday he can bring home a victory that his parents can be proud of. 

He finished the degree of Bachelor of Science in Criminology and has also passed the licensure examination for Criminologist. 

This success of mine is a simple gesture of honouring the hardship of my parents. As he holds the hands of his parents, He feels the roughness of their palms and fingers. 

This reminds him of every moment that they are under the scouring heat of the sun while he is shaded by the roof of our school. 

His parents keep on reminding them that a piece of land or money they cannot give. 

The greatest legacy that they can only give is an education earned with the hardship of being a farmer.

“Standing out amidst being part of an Indigenous people” Asing said in a statement.

source || PNPA 

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Igorota super-mom joins Miss Universe Philippines pageant

Photo Courtesy || Miss Univers PH & Miss. Joemay Leo

Cordillera - A proud mom and proud Igorota from Benguet province is among the candidates vying for the prestigious Miss Universe Philippines 2023 title.

The empowered mom from Tuba, Benguet, Miss. Joemay Leo is grateful for the opportunity to represent the whole Igorot tribe in the national stage. 

"I never imagined joining pageants once again after becoming a mom. But who says mom can't slay the universe? With much pride and honor, I am beyond blessed to represent the whole Igorot tribe. This avenue holds an excellent opportunity to showcase a world-class Igorota beauty, Leo said in a post.

Miss Leo is a graduate of the University of Baguio (UB) with a degree in Bachelor of Arts Communication.

She won numerous beauty pageants awards including Miss Cordillera, Miss Tuba, Miss Benguet 1st runner up and Miss Baguio 3rd runner up. 

Joining her for the Miss Universe journey are fellow Cordillerans from Baguio City Miss Krishnah Marie Gravidez and from Kalinga Miss Kristeen Mae Boccang who will be representing the province of Apayao.

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Two-star general from Benguet, PMGen Edgar Alan Okubo is new NCRPO chief

Photo Courtesy || PNP

Cordillera - A two-star Cordilleran general has been tasked to lead the largest and most complex police regional office in the country, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) in Metro Manila.

Police Major General Edgar Alan O. Okubo, who hails from Benguet took over as the new NCRPO director replacing the outgoing Chief Police Major General Jonnel S. Estomo.

Known to be a "tough" but has "heart for the poor" police official, PMGen. Okubo will be in charge in the safety and security of more than 13 million people in Metro Manila including top official of the country and foreign dignitaries.

PMGen. Okubo is a member of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) "Tagapagpatupad" Class of 1992, one of the youngest graduates of his class.

Prior to assuming his new post, PMGen served as the director of PNP's elite force, the Special Action Force.

Under his leadership, he implemented his own version of the "Revitalized-Pulis Sa Barangay where in he commanded the elite PNP commandos to go to remote barangays not to hunt terrorists but to educate young kids, help women and the elderly, used PNP mobile patrol to transport pregnant women to hospital and conduct livelihood trainings and seminars to indigenous people.

As the new NCRPO chief, PMGen Okubo vows to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of the people of Metro Manila. 

Meanwhile, the Chief PNP General Azurin expressed his full trust in the capability and leadership skills of PMGen Okubo.

"I have full confidence in your capability and leadership skills. You are taking the helm of an organization that is committed to the highest standards of professionalism, and I know that you will continue to uphold these values as you lead the NCRPO, PGen Azurin said in a speech.

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WATCH: Danny Kingad defeats Indonesian Saputra via Unanimous Decision

Photo Courtesy || ONE Championship

Cordillera - Cordilleran Mixed Martial Artist Danny "The King" Kingad defeats     Indonesian Eko Roni Saputra via Unanimous Decision victory at ONE Fight Night 7 at the New Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

The Igorot fighter from Benguet schooled the fancied Indonesian wrestler during their three-round flyweight clash to halt his seven winning streak.

Kingad scored a takedown in the first round and attempted to finished Saputra with a choke while of the mat.

In the second round, Kingad is in the upperhand with his supperior wushu skills that punished the Indonesian grappler with punches and kicks. He even stunned Saputra with an elbow.

At the end of the final round, the three judges gave the victory to Kingad to secure a 15-3 MMA record.

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Baguio Mayor Benjie Magalong conferred the Cavalier Pandemic Heroes Award by the Philippine Military Academy

Photo Courtesy || Benjie Magalong - Public Servant

Cordillera - Mayor Benjie Magalong of Baguio city has been conferred the Cavalier Pandemic Heroes Award during the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Alumni Homecoming held on February 18, 2023.

The two-term mayor of Baguio was awarded for his exemplary performance in his capacity as 'Covid-19 Contract Tracing Czar of the Philippine Government that has contributed immensely in the fight to end the pandemic. 

Magalong is a retired police general was appointed by former President Duterte as the country's Contact Tracing Czar during the onslaught of covid in 2020 to lead the government's efforts in combating the spread of COVID-19.

His vast experience in crisis management, as well as his background in law enforcement and investigation, make him a suitable leader for this task. 

During his tenure as czar, he introduced a new method of contact tracing that focuses on thorough investigations, quick response, and encourage community participation.

Under his leadership, the country's contact tracing capacity significantly improved. He also introduced  a more efficient system for identifying, isolating, and treating COVID-19 patients, as well as for monitoring their close contacts.

Magalong's contributions in the fight against COVID-19 have been recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and various international health organizations. His innovative approach to contact tracing serves as an inspiration for other countries battling the pandemic, and has helped to reduce the spread of the virus in the Philippines.

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LOOK: Stunning beauty of Sagada's Sumaguing Cave by Kalasag Fotografia

Photo Courtesy || Kalasag Fotografia

Cordillera - Sumaguing Cave is a popular tourist destination located in the municipality of Sagada, in the Mountain Province of the Philippines. It is known for its stunning natural rock formations, underground rivers, and unique cave features, such as stalactites and stalagmites.

Photo Courtesy || Kalasag Fotografia

Photo Courtesy || Kalasag Fotografia

Visitors can explore the cave through guided tours, which can be physically demanding due to the steep and slippery terrain. However, the rewards of the tour are well worth the effort, as visitors are treated to a breathtaking underground world.

The Sumaguing Cave is not only a natural wonder, but it also holds cultural significance to the people of Sagada, who believe that it is a sacred place that must be treated with respect and reverence.

To view more photos of Sumaguing Cave, visit Kalasag Fotografia FB page HERE

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Math Genius from Baguio wins gold in the Southeast Asian Mathematical Olympiad 2022

Cordillera - A student from Baguio City has won the gold medal in the Southeast Asian Mathematical Olympiad (SEAMO) 2022. 

Rynne Daven A. Barrios, a grade 12 student of the University of Baguio (UB) Science High School bagged the medal for his outstanding performance and academic excellence during the the competition.

Barrios bested hundreds of participants from different countries in the Southeast Asian region who participated in the Math Olympiad where contestants have to compete to solve various mathematical problems. 

SEAMO is a unique assessment platform organized by the Terry Chew Academy of Singapore that helps students from around the globe to gain recognition in the field of mathematics. It focuses on strong concepts and critical thinking in mathematical problem-solving.

Over the years, SEAMO has established a wide network of Maths Olympians across which knowledge, skills and culture are shared. Hundreds of thousands of eager young minds have received encouragement and recognition as they grow their passion for mathematics.

With papers suitable for all levels, SEAMO aims to stretch the capabilities of its candidates one bite-sized step at a time and in tandem with the school mathematics curriculum.

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Cordilleran pride, Benguet beauty Ms. Joemay Leo in top 40 of Miss Universe PH

Photo Courtesy || Miss Universe Philippines

Cordilleran - Moving up to the ladder, Cordilleran pride and Benguet Beauty Miss Joemay Leo was chosen as one of the top 40 candidates in the most-awaited Miss Universe Philippines this year.

The former Miss Cordillera, Joemay is a proud iBenguet who hails from the town of Tuba. 

Chosen to be in the list of top 40 candidates, Joemay will have a chance to showcase the wonderful culture and tradition of Cordillera.

Her advocacy is to advance the cultural awareness and sensitivity by giving her best to represent and uplift the whole Igorot tribe, to resolve some of the misconceptions about the Igorots and to prove Igorot beauties are world class.

A graduate from the University of Baguio, 22-year-old Leo has won numerous awards in the beauty pageants industry which includes Miss Tuba 2014, Miss Benguet 2014 first runner-up, Miss Baguio 2015 third runner up. 

Miss Universe Philippines is a beauty pageant and organization that selects the Philippines' official representative to the Miss Universe pageant.

The reigning Miss Universe Philippines is Celeste Cortesi of Pasay who was crowned on April 30, 2022 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Bay City, Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines.

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Igorot hottie from Benguet wins Mister Culture World International 2023

Photo Courtesy || Kevin Claud Beray

Cordillera - A proud son of Benguet, Mr. Kevin Claud Dela Cruz Beray has won the Mister Culture World International 2023 in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam on February 19, 2023. 

The 20-year old Beray who traces his roots to Bokod, Benguet but currently resides in La Trinidad, Benguet also won Best in National Costume and Best in Swimwear.

Beray is a student of Saint Louis University (SLU) taking up Bachelor of Arts in Political Science Course.

He wanted to promote Benguet's eco-tourism and culture both on the national and international stage. '

"It is evident that our province has a huge potential for eco-tourism. We just need the right mechanism and a medium to promote our cause. As the province's humble ambassador, I want to promote Benguet's Eco-Tourism and advocate for cultural preservation. [I want that] it is not only the natural aesthetics of Benguet to be known but also its people and its culture. After all, we are "the rose of the northern mountains", Beray said.

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Cordilleran from Apayao top 1 in February 2023 Respiratory Therapy Licensure Examination

Photo Courtesy || Flora Apayao LGU

Cordillera - A proud Cordilleran from Apayao province is among the topnotchers of the recently concluded Board Examinations for Respiratory Therapist.

Hiyasmin Cortez Ramos who hails from Poblacion, West, Flora, Apayao tops the 2023 Respiratory Therapy Licensure Examination (RTLE) with a passing rate of 90.75.

The local government of Flora has expressed its felicitations to Ramos, a graduate of Cagayan State University (CSU) for bringing pride and holding high the banner of the province.

“Thank you for bringing pride to the Floranians and holding high the banner of the province by clinching the Top 1 Rank during the February 2023 Licensure Examinations for Respiratory Therapists. The Municipal Government Unit of Flora is very proud of you,” the LGU post reads. 

Aside from Hiyasmin, there were also four more who are in the Top 1 spot which includes Elain Fleur Usman Fino from the Emiliio Aguinaldo College – Dasmariñas, Shiara Lynneth Ludovice from the University of Perpetual Help System – Laguna, Michael Josef Maglantay Ramos from the University of Batangas and Prince Joshua Guzman Caraga also from the Cagayan State University - Andrews Campus.

Cagayan State University - Andrews Campus is the top performing school in the Respiratory Therapist Licensure Examination with a 100% passing rate with all of the 133 examinees passing the exams.

The PRC released this result yesterday, February 8 with 955 total number of passers nationwide out of 1,345  examinees.

source || Local Government Unit of Flora Apayao, Philippines

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Cordilleran genius from Baguio becomes the youngest law graduate in the world, at age 18

Photo Courtesy || Jozef Maynard Borja Erece / everybodywiki

Cordillera - A Filipino-New Zealand-Australian gifted child becomes the world's youngest law graduate at the age of 18. 

Jozef Maynard Borja Erece, a proud Cordilleran is arguably the youngest person ever admitted to the legal profession and youngest law graduate in the history of Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines.

Mr. Erece was born in New Zealand in 1996 to Filipino parents and was recognized as a gifted child. 

By the age of 3, he was already reading, and by 11, he was in high school, graduating as Valedictorian in 2011 from St. Peter's Catholic School in Cambridge. 

In 2011, he was offered a spot in Stanford University's Institutes' Program, a special course for gifted youth, but declined the opportunity. Instead, he chose to attend the University of Southern Queensland in 2012, where he completed his Bachelor's degree in Law in just three years.

Jozef is the son of Dr. Maynard Victor Erece who went to Magsaysay Elementary School in New Lucban, Baguio city and worked as a criminal lawyer, prosecutor and an educator. 

Her mother, Dr, Josephine Ana Borja Erece, a medical doctor by profession went to St. Louis Center and graduated as valedictorian. 

Jozef Maynard Borja Erece is known for his exceptional abilities, being called a genius, polymath, and child prodigy. 

He has received widespread recognition for his achievements and his journey has been widely covered by the media. 

READ ALSO: Dexter Santos Valenton: First Aeta to pass the Criminologist Licensure Exam

His gifts and talents have been the subject of research by experts in the fields of gifted and talented education, psychology, neurology, and child development.

The city government of Baguio has passed a resolution to recognized and commend Jozef for giving honor to the city and the country as the youngest law graduate and practicing lawyer in the world.

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Japan's legendary Shinya Aoki visits home of the champions in Benguet

Photo Courtesy || One Championship & Eduard Folayang

Cordillera - Team Lakay's head coach Mark Sangiao revealed in a Facebook post that Shinya Aoki of Japan has visited their gym on Tuesday to meet with Eduard Folayang and the rest of Team Lakay athletes. 

Shinya Aoki is a professional mixed martial artist and grappler from Japan. He is currently signed with ONE Championship and is a former ONE Lightweight World Champion. 

Aoki has a professional record of 46-11 and is considered one of the top lightweight fighters in the world. He is known for his exceptional grappling skills, having won multiple Brazilian jiu-jitsu and submission wrestling championships. Aoki is also a black belt in judo. 

He began his MMA career in 2003 and has fought for various promotions throughout his career, including DREAM, PRIDE, and Strikeforce. He has notable wins over Eddie Alvarez, Tatsuya Kawajiri, and Antonio McKee. Aoki is known for his aggressive and exciting fighting style, making him a fan favorite among MMA enthusiasts. 

Eduard Folayang is a Filipino professional mixed martial artist and a former ONE Lightweight World Champion. He is currently signed with ONE Championship. 

He has a professional record of 22-9 and is considered one of the top lightweight fighters in Asia. He began his MMA career in 2006 and has fought for various promotions throughout his career, including URCC, Pacific Xtreme Combat and ONE Championship. 

He is known for his striking skills and his striking style is a combination of wushu, boxing and kickboxing. He has notable wins over Shinya Aoki, Kotetsu Boku, and Adrian Pang. 

He is also a former Wushu champion. He is considered as one of the pioneers of MMA in Philippines and has been a role model for many young fighters in the Philippines.

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Frost hits Benguet's Mt. Pulag, Luzon's Highest Peak

Photo Courtesy || Silva Pacliwan

Cordillera - The country's second highest mountain, the Mt. Pulag in Kabayan, Benguet had frost Tuesday morning. 

Frost is a type of precipitation that occurs when the temperature of a surface falls below freezing point and the water vapor in the air condenses into ice crystals. 

This can happen on Mt. Pulag, as the summit of the mountain reaches elevations of over 2,900 meters above sea level. 

At these high elevations, the temperature can drop well below freezing, making frost a common occurrence.

Frost is most likely to form on Mt. Pulag during the dry season, which runs from November to May. 

During this time, clear skies and low humidity make it easier for the temperature to drop and for frost to form. 

Visitors to the mountain during this time period should be prepared for the colder temperatures and potential frost, and dress accordingly.

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Igorota Beauty Queen wins 1st Runner-Up in I Am Model Search International 2023

Photo Courtesy || Pageantry News International & Missosology

Cordillera - Daughter of Benguet won the 1st Runner-up of the recently concluded modeling competition held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on January 20, 2023. 

Miss Maida Faith Basilio who hails from Tuba and Sablan, Benguet was crowned the 1st Runner-up in the I Am Model Search International (IAMS) 2023.

Maida is a nursing instructor at the Benguet State University - College of Nursing. She won the Ms. Sablan 2019 and was also the winner in the Ms. Tuba 2022. 

READ ALSO: Baguio girl named Miss Model Search International 2023

In a Facebook post, Maida thanked the support of her kakailyans of Benguet as well as her Filipino kababayans. 

"May this be an inspiration to my fellow youth that no matter what happens, never stop pursuing your goals because someday, everything will be worth it," Maida wrote.

READ ALSO:  Igorot model Kenneth Jhayve Bautista wins Mister Model Search International 2023

IAMS International 2023, organized by Double Event Management, is a platform that provides equal opportunities for aspiring models to gain exposure, make connections, and establish a foundation for an international modeling career.

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Dexter Santos Valenton: First Aeta to pass the Criminologist Licensure Exam

Photo Courtesy || Dexter Santos Valenton

Cordillera - A future police officer in the making, Dexter Santos Valenton has recently made history after becoming the first Aeta to passed the Criminologist Licensure Examination held last December 2022.

The Zambales native proved and demonstrated that one's race does not dictate their level of success, rather it is their determination, hard work, and perseverance that truly determine their achievements.

Mr. Valenton was among the proud 11,098 examinees who passed the licensure exam by the Professional Regulation Commission. 

Valenton is one of the successful scholars of Pampanga. He studied and finished Bachelor of Science in Criminology at the Celtech College in July 2022.

Congratulations Valenton! 

May your success serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration to those who dream of achieving greatness in the future. 

Let your accomplishments be a reminder that with hard work, determination, and perseverance, anything is possible.

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Baguio girl named Miss Model Search International 2023

Photo Courtesy || Maria Jonah Divina Bajum Draculan

Cordillera - Baguio girl Ms. Maria Jonah Divina Bajum Draculan, also known as Ponay Draculan, is the newly crowned Miss Model Search International 2023. 

She won the competition on January 7, 2023 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. 

She also received other awards including Best in Talent and she was Top 3 in the Swimwear Competition. 

Draculan, a graduate of Saint Louis University (SLU) is a global social media strategist and accountant. 

She works as a freelance business and investment consultant and insurance agent. 

Draculan is also a member of the Binnadang Cultural Dance Troupe, a contemporary dancer and an actress in several short films. 

She believes in the power of mindset, attraction, and determination to reach her dreams of becoming a top global model and artist. 

The Miss Model Search International competition was owned by CEO Mr. Phan Ruby Company, and took place from January 3-7, 2023. The elimination round was held in Sun Valley Đa Lạt City, Vietnam and the finals in VHT Movie Studio 12 District Hồ Chí Minh City, Vietnam.

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Cordilleran from Atok, Benguet tops Criminology Licensure Exam

Photo Courtesy || Narcilisa Ponase

Cordillera - A proud Cordilleran who hails from Atok, Benguet topped the December 2022 Criminology Examination as announced by the Professional Regulation Commission. 

Miss Narcilisa Ponase Talipnao could not believed that she was ranked number 1 with a rating of 91.60 percent in the recent Criminology exam. 

Talipnao finished Bachelor of Science in Criminology at the University of Baguio (UB) and graduated Magna Cum Laude.

According to her, when she was still young, she loved to watch action films which motivated her to become a law enforcer.

In her social media post, Talipnao said she never expected to be number 1 in the exam. 

She expressed her gratitude towards God and her family for their support and regarded topping the exam as the best gift she had received.

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) has announced that 11,098 out of the 33,489 examinees passed the licensure exam given the Board of Criminology last December 2022 in the different testing centers in the country.

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UC, King's College of the Phil. Inc-Benguet top performing schools in Dec. 2022 Criminologist Licensure Exam

Cordillera - The University of the Cordilleras (UC) and King's College of the Philippines Inc - Benguet are among the top performing schools in Cordillera during the December 2022 Criminologist Licensure Examination. 

The University of the Cordilleras ranked number 6 with a passing percentage rate of 84.62 percent while the King's College of the Philippines, Inc ranked number 4 with a passing percentage rate of 87.40 percent.

Meanwhile, an alumna of the the University of Baguio, Miss Narcilisa Ponase Talipanao topped the examination with a rating of 91.60 percent. 

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) has announced that 11,098 out of the 33,489 examinees passed the licensure exam given the Board of Criminology last December 2022 in the different testing centers in the country.

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Longest Suspension Bridge in Southeast Asia is Found in Abra

Photo Courtesy || PIA-Cordillera

Cordillera - The Sabnangan Footbridge, located in the municipality of Luba in Abra, Philippines, is said to be the longest suspension bridge in Southeast Asia. 

The bridge, which was constructed in 2002, is made entirely of steel and has a span of 560 meters. It connects two barangays of the municipality, Barangay Poblacion and Sabnangan. 

Visitors who wish to visit the suspension bridge can visit the Municipal Tourism Office for guidance.

The Sabnangan Footbridge is not the only suspension bridge in the Cordilleras region. The Nabenngan Bridge in Sadanga, Mountain Province, is another popular destination. 

Also known as the Peace Bridge, this 230-meter long footbridge offers visitors a unique view of the lush green forest of Sadanga.

Additionally, the scenic hanging bridge in Barangay Cabiten in Mankayan, Benguet is gaining attention online among local tourists and travel vloggers. 

This steel bridge is 200 meters long and 200 meters high, providing visitors with a spectacular view of the surrounding area.

While the Sabnangan Footbridge is the longest suspension bridge in Southeast Asia, it is not the only one worth visiting. 

These other suspension bridges in the Cordilleras region offer visitors a unique and breathtaking experience. 

Whether it is the view of the lush green forest of Sadanga or the scenic view of Mankayan, these suspension bridges are a must-see for anyone visiting the Philippines.

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